Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Vizsla

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Size:

Large

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are best for pet parents with large homes who love frequent outdoor adventuring. Rhodesians have very sweet and doting traits, making them the perfect four-legged addition for experienced pet parent families.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a gentle, affectionate, caring and dignified temperament. They are independent-minded, but are very loving and loyal toward their two-legged friends and family. Rhodesians rarely show any aggression toward humans. They are generally compatible with other dogs, too, especially if they’ve been in the same household fro...

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a gentle, affectionate, caring and dignified temperament. They are independent-minded, but are very loving and loyal toward their two-legged friends and family. Rhodesians rarely show any aggression toward humans. They are generally compatible with other dogs, too, especially if they’ve been in the same household from an early age. However, they have been known to rise to a challenge and stand their ground in a doggy disagreement, particularly with those of the same gender.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed has low biting tendencies as adults, although as a puppy, they can be quite nippy. Overall, they’re incredibly smart and intuitive. Ridgebacks assimilate information easily with a strong leader (that’s you!) and can be protective of children and other pack members (human or animal), making them ideal guard dogs with a strong bite force. They bark to alert people of danger and threatening situations, but they do not bite or attack unless provoked.

Because they were bred to hunt lions, they have a strong prey drive toward smaller animals that aren’t their own species. In other words: Cats aren’t going to be your Rhodesian’s BFF—rather, these dogs will likely chase them down.

Rhodesians are extremely friendly with people once they get to know them; they can be reserved with strangers. This dog breed is also highly perceptive and sensitive to peoples’ energies. They can be great with kids, but early interactions with them from puppyhood is important. As with most powerful breeds, and dogs in general, you should supervise playtime around toddlers and young children. Rhodesians will be more protective of softer personalities, particularly children and the elderly.

Since they require regular exercise and, because of their prey drive, can be overly curious at times, this breed may frustrate a first-time dog parent. They’re better suited for an active parent who has experience training dogs.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 14 years
Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

The lightning-fast Vizsla is full of non-stop energy and needs access to outdoor space. Often called "Velcro dogs," Vizslas stick close to their people, but need consistent training to keep them focused. With socialization and...

The lightning-fast Vizsla is full of non-stop energy and needs access to outdoor space. Often called "Velcro dogs," Vizslas stick close to their people, but need consistent training to keep them focused. With socialization and the proper attention, Vizslas make faithful, family pets.

Vizsla Temperament

Bounding, wiggling, racing away—the Vizsla dog breed has a high-energy personality that’s always ready to go, go, go. (Keeping up with the Energizer Bunny would not be an issue). Inquisitive and loving, a Vizsla is sometimes called a “Velcro dog” as they tend to stick close to the...

Bounding, wiggling, racing away—the Vizsla dog breed has a high-energy personality that’s always ready to go, go, go. (Keeping up with the Energizer Bunny would not be an issue). Inquisitive and loving, a Vizsla is sometimes called a “Velcro dog” as they tend to stick close to their people. Vizslas have a gentle, friendly nature and a playful demeanor.

Having a Vizsla in a home with kids and babies is a fine idea—and the breed also enjoys the company of other dogs, especially when they’re young. Bonus: They can even be trained to live peaceably with cats. But keep in mind that Vizslas have a high prey drive and may chase a kitty, so if you plan to introduce a feline to the family, take care to keep the cat safe until your Vizsla puppy is well socialized.

Vizsla qualities also include a high level of competence and an ability to learn quickly, making this dog highly trainable. Vizsla intelligence has long been prized; the breed has a distinguished history as a faithful hunting companion that was bred to both point and retrieve. Modern-day Vizslas have equally demanding jobs as seeing eye dogs, search and rescue animals and professional sniffers (think drugs or explosives). And Vizslas even have a patriotic streak, serving as canine recovery workers at Ground Zero in New York City after the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Vizsla Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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